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In
case of emergency, there may be something you can do depending
on the circumstances.The following are some of the types of
dental emergencies and what you can do before you can reach
us.
Broken
Filling
In
most cases, treatment can be delayed until a convenient time
is available. Rough edges can be smoothed off with an emery
board and the hole can be filled with warm wax or sugarless
gum.
Loose
cap
When
a cap (crown) becomes loose or falls off, it can be placed
back over the tooth until re-cementation can be done. For
a little more security, place a small piece of sugarless gum
in the crown for retention. The cap should not be left off
the tooth for more than several days or it may not be possible
to put it back on. You should go to your dentist as soon as
possible to get it recemented because it is very easy to get
decay under a loose cap.
Broken
tooth
Bring
all fragments, for we may be able to bond them back for you.
If soft tissue (lips, cheek, tongue) are lacerated, check
if the fragments are embedded in the wound. Even if the fragments
are lost, see us as soon as possible because the fractured
tooth may become sensitive and the infected nerve may cause
pain.
Knocked-out
Tooth
If
a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth,
immediate care is required. If possible, place the tooth back
in the bleeding socket, or under your tongue (to keep it moist),
or even in a glass of cold saline or milk (not water). You
can rinse it with saline or milk (not water), but do not touch
or scrub the root;otherwise this may damage the cells on the
root surface, which are vital to the success of reimplantation
of the tooth. Contact us at once. Remember, the sooner the
tooth is put back into its socket, the better the prognosis.
Bleeding
Only
severe bleeding is a real emergency. This may be the result
of a recent surgical procedure (e.g. extraction) or trauma.
Apply pressure to the bleeding area with a teabag or gauze
pad and get help as soon as possible.
Swelling
This requires attention as soon as possible and should not
be delayed for more than several hours. Sudden swelling is
usually the result of infection. Begin rinsing with a solution
of water and salt, and you may apply a cold pack to the outside
of your face.
Toothache
A
severe unrelenting toothache requires immediate professional
help. Placing an aspirin/clove oil on the tooth or gum should
NEVER be attempted. It won't work and may make things worse.
Chemist store remedies are mostly not effective.
Suspicion
of Jaw Fracture
Do
not move the jaw. Secure the jaw in place by tying a bandage
or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head. Go immediately
to a hospital emergency room, or call your dentist.
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